Florida 2A Boys Basketball Semifinals: Sagemont and Orlando Christian reach FHSAA championship
LAKELAND, FLORIDA – The FHSAA 2A Boys Basketball state semifinals took place on Tuesday in at the RP Funding Center with Sagemont (Weston) and Orlando Christian Prep each claiming double-digit victories to reach Thursday's showdown for the Florida 2A state title. The game will be a rematch of last year's state final, won by Sagemont.
In the opening game, defending champion Sagemont struggled for consistency throughout the first half, but jumped out for a 35-point second half and pulled away for a 59-45 win over Impact Christian Academy. In the nightcap, Orlando Christian Prep dominated from the opening tap in routing Sports Leadership Academy, 76-55.
Sagemont was led by three players in double-figures with Jordyn Kee pacing the group with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Kevin Thomas and Patrick Liburd combined for 24 points.
Jordyn Kee led Sagemont in its Florida Class 2A state semifinal victory with 15 points and eight rebounds.
Sagemont hurt itself earlier with turnovers, as it finished with 14, but was able to become much more efficient in the second half as it outscored Impact 13-0 on fast-break opportunities. The lead changed hands 11 times, all in the first half, but Liburd free throw gave Sagemont a 27-26 lead midway through the third quarter and the Lions pulled away from there.
Nearly all of Impact Christian's offense came from two players, as Wilmer DeJesus scored a game-high 19 points and Taylor Thompson netted 17. DeJesus also had 10 rebounds to earn a double-double.
The Warriors outscored SLAM 19-8 in the first quarter and grew their lead to 35-15 at the half. SLAM had a strong third quarter, pulling back within 10, with a 15-0 run which spilled into the start of the fourth quarter. OCP, however, regrouped and dominated the rest of the final stanza to win by 21.
The key for OCP was a very balanced scoring attack, as five players scored in double figures, led by 16 from Darius Washington III. Jemeh Jones and Isaiah Brown each scored 14 points, Josh Theus finished with 13 and Ameer Ramadan scored 12 points. This group aslo combined for 31 rebounds and 17 assists.
Ramon Seals led the way for SLAM with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Derrick Doe added 11 points, while Daniel MacGregor and Willie Piggott scored 10 each.
